Some people have Facebook and Instagram, I have this blog to post some pics of my kiddos and things we've been up to. If I don't, pictures get lost in the digital sea of some program on my computer (still haven't quite mastered iCloud and its friends) and I forget the little moments that made my heart still or/and made me laugh. I can't believe it's August and that summer is more than halfway over. Wait, what?
June and early July was filled with various things. June began with Peter and the boys prepping for their backpacking trip. It was supposed to happen on Nick's b-day, but impending camping trip and super busy schedule for my husband had to have it postponed. If I had any idea how expensive this activity will turn out to be...gulp... I would have suggested a camping getaway since we have everything ready for that. The boys are super excited though and the backpacks have
First, this guy's b-day happened. Nicolas is our oldest son and is so very much like his daddy. Its funny, but when I was pregnant with him, I remember thinking how I would really love him to look like his father. As I held him close during the first minutes of life, I realized that my wish was granted! Not only does he look like him, but he inherited his temperament and handyman skills. He loves working with tools--I'm pretty sure he was using a hammer successfully by age 2.
He loves to think through how things work and is that kid in the family that loves to stop and smell the flowers ;) He's kind and funny and loves being the oldest brother--sometimes a little too much.
He likes school and is a good reader. He loves soccer and running long distance. What I, perhaps love most about this guy, is that he is content with what he has and doesn't have many wants. He has the hardest time coming up with wish lists and doesn't ask for anything (besides junk food. sign.) at the store. Love, love, love this boy of mine! Happy 9th, sweet kid!
For his b-day, a few of his cousins slept over and then my sister and I took the kids to John's Incredible Pizza (probably won't be returning there for a celebration--maybe I'll elaborate why some other time). Came home and had the ice cream cake from DQ--per his request ;)
~Love these pics of kids and my colleague's dogs. We met up at a local park and they got to hang out with them. Danger and Ghost are their names--the kids were all over these guys!
This picture cracks me up. I asked the kids to kiss him right before they took off for church and this was the result. I'm pretty sure Phillip, the little one in the plaid shirt, is kissing his leg. And Tim? The guy that looks like he's about to bite his brother's shoulder? Clearly because he couldn't reach his dad's cheek in time. Smile every time I look at it :)
This little baby is the cutest babe ever. Even if I say so myself!!! He's the most chill baby in the world, loves people, such an eater and is absolutely obsessed with our coffee cups. Mama drinks too much coffee, maybe?
Other kids of mine, however, sometime pleasantly surprise me on busy days and choose a whole carrot for their snack. Whatever!
Or more predictably, an ice cream sandwich.
I am learning that my summer days are easier if I take kids ANYWHERE outside of the house to play or roam.
This little guy's first time on the swing at JJ Jump turned into about 10 times--he took full advantage of no lines that day.
I just love this picture of Tim in his bright yellow helmet getting out there with the big kids who are much more experienced than he is. While my older two stood back, he got in there with the rest of the crowd and didn't care that they had to navigate the skate park around him. I just love his confidence.
Awesome big sister! I don't know what I would do without her. She's such a big help to me. Her main chore now consists of washing the dishes. Praise be-I've lived to see the day! Being 12 is sometimes hard and the sass... The sass! But. Her love for this little guy shines and she's so amazing in so many ways that it makes up for it ;)
Taking a cousin or a friend on our trips is a must according to my kids.
(It even helps when they are doing chores)
Sometime, getting out means I have to drive across or outside of town. Still worth it!
Love this picture of Nick with his hand on his little brother. He's always watching out for him. Love to observe this from afar.
The kids did enjoy quite a bit of boating this summer too. The baby and I haven't gone yet--not sure that he is old enough for such activity!
My older boys are really into fishing these days. Still learning but enjoying it a lot. This has led me to research the trout schedules and lakes that are within an hour away.
Fishing allows for some swimming afterwards.
While Philip often goes to my sister's for a playdate, this little guy gets to be tagged along to the fishing trips. His wiggly stage makes him not such easy fishing companion, but his sweet smile makes up for it ;)
And me? I was once asked (Hi Heather!) what I'm doing for myself these days? When we met up last, I just had Leo and I think I answered something like--escaping the house to my part-time job? I honestly never really thought about that question. Maybe because I really did consider being away from the house 5 hours a day--the ME time? I don't have many active hobbies right now mostly because I just don't have the time to commit to anything. I did Zumba for a few years before I got pregnant but haven't been able to get back into it. This pretty much sums up my sentiment about exercising these days:
These days (or past few years!) my R&R has mostly consisted of bedtime reading. And not books, sadly, because baby in our bed +light on doesn't mix. Sign. I read blogs and articles of various kinds and kind of get my mind of the mundane that way. Sometimes, I take on little decorating projects. Like collecting these plates for my nook wall. Most of these came from thrift stores. Many plates and $ later, I think I nailed down this as my final selection. Maybe. You like?
Now, if I can only get some ME time so that I could hang these up!
Hope YOU are enjoying your summer as well!
